It was an opportunity to get a taste of what is to come when Australia Hosts the Polocrosse World Cup in 2019.

Australia last hosted, and last won, the Polocrosse World Cup in Warwick in 2007. Since the 2007 series, the Africans have dominated the international scene.

The African style of game is fast, with lots of long passes and the international rules allow them to use the controversial ‘overhand throw’. A distinct advantage. The Australian style of game is more about control of the ball and horse work.

Regardless of style of play, the Australian girls proved too strong for their South African rivals, winning all three tests rather comfortably.

It was a pleasing result for local horse breeder Michael Gorman as two of his home-bred mares were in the Australian women’s team. These were Bengoran Tia played by April Leggett and Bengoran Scarlet played by Sandra Weston).

As well, a home-bred gelding (Bengoran Valentine) was played by a member of the South African Women’s team.

The men’s games, however, followed a very different song sheet. The first test saw the African men come out convincing winners.

In the second test, the Australian men came out firing and were leading by more than five goals at the halfway mark. But again they were defeated by the fast stick work of SA.

The third test saw the Australian’s in front up until the eight and final chukka. Then South Africa stormed home, breaking away to a one goal lead in the dying moments of the game.

Australia was denied the opportunity of forcing extra time when Australian attack player Lance Anderson took an amazing snatch in the line up. His shot at goal, however, was a very short half a second after the bell.

It was a brilliant game, with some suggesting the only thing wrong was the final outcome.

In conjunction with the test series, the Warwick Club hosted a Club Competition and the Biannual Tri State Series.

In the Tri State competition, local players Michael Gorman captained the winning NSW Masters (over 50s) team, defeating runners up Victoria and third-placed Queensland.

Meanwhile Hayley DeBritt was a member of the winning under 30s mixed team defeating runners up Queensland and third-placed Victoria.

While the club competitions continue, the next major event will be the NSW Club Championships. The event is set to be held at Bungendore on Saturday and Sunday, June 10–11.